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A consistent dental hygiene routine is the foundation of a healthy smile at every stage of life. Whether you are helping a young child brush for the first time, managing orthodontic appliances as a teen, or maintaining restorations as an adult, the habits you build at home directly shape your long-term oral health. At South Meadows Dental, a practice serving the Reno and Sparks communities since 1975, our team sees firsthand how daily care choices affect outcomes for patients of all ages. This guide walks through what an effective routine looks like, how to adapt it to your specific needs, and when professional support makes the difference.

The Core Elements of an Effective Dental Hygiene Routine

Brushing: Technique and Timing

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Most people underestimate how long two minutes actually feels, so using a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in interval signal can help. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and use gentle, circular strokes rather than a back-and-forth scrubbing motion, which may irritate gum tissue over time.

Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles appear frayed. Worn bristles are less effective at removing plaque. If you have dental crowns or other restorations, ask your provider about brush head recommendations suited to those surfaces.

Flossing: The Step Most Patients Skip

Flossing once daily removes plaque and food debris from between teeth and just below the gumline, areas a toothbrush cannot reach. Skipping this step means a significant portion of each tooth surface goes uncleaned, which may contribute to gingivitis and gum disease over time. If traditional string floss feels difficult to manage, water flossers and interdental brushes are effective alternatives that our team is happy to discuss. You can also review product guidance on our recommendations page.

Consistency matters more than perfection. Building flossing into a specific moment in your routine, such as right before brushing at night, makes it easier to sustain the habit long-term.

Adapting Your Dental Hygiene Routine for Different Life Stages

Children and Early Dental Habits

Healthy habits established early tend to last. Parents should begin wiping an infant’s gums with a soft cloth before teeth emerge, then transition to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as the first tooth appears. Children generally need assistance with brushing until around age seven or eight, when fine motor skills are developed enough for independent technique. Fluoride toothpaste in an age-appropriate amount supports enamel development during these early years.

Our pediatric dentistry services are designed to make these early visits comfortable and educational, helping children build a positive relationship with dental care. Dental sealants may also be recommended for children to help protect back molars from decay during the cavity-prone elementary years.

Teens, Orthodontics, and Evolving Needs

Adolescence introduces new challenges for a dental hygiene routine. Orthodontic appliances, whether traditional braces or clear aligners, require modified techniques to keep teeth and gums clean throughout treatment. Patients wearing Damon Braces need to thread floss carefully under wires, and those using Invisalign should brush thoroughly before reinserting trays to avoid trapping bacteria against tooth surfaces.

Dr. Meagan Struby, our Board Certified Orthodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, works closely with patients to ensure their home care keeps pace with their orthodontic progress. Exploring Invisalign in Reno or Damon Braces includes a full conversation about hygiene expectations during treatment.

Adults: Maintenance, Prevention, and Cosmetic Goals

For adults, a strong dental hygiene routine supports both health and appearance. Consistent brushing and flossing may help reduce surface staining, though professional cleaning remains essential for removing calculus that home tools cannot address. Patients interested in a brighter smile often ask whether their home care affects whitening results. The short answer is yes: well-maintained enamel responds more predictably to professional treatment. Learn more about teeth whitening options in Reno and Sparks.

Adults managing restorations such as veneers or implants should confirm with their provider whether any modifications to their dental hygiene routine are recommended for those specific surfaces. Our team can review your full restoration history during a dental exam and tailor guidance accordingly.

Why Choose South Meadows Dental in Reno, NV?

South Meadows Dental has served the Reno community since 1975, making it one of the longest-standing dental practices in Northern Nevada. That legacy of care now continues through Dr. Brian Struby, who earned his DDS at Creighton University and received the Academy of General Dentistry Dental Student of the Year Award, and Dr. Meagan Struby, a Board Certified Orthodontist, third-generation Nevadan, and the first female orthodontist to establish a practice in Northern Nevada. Together, they bring a combined depth of clinical expertise and a genuine family dynamic that resonates with multigenerational patient families throughout the South Reno and Sparks area.

Our affiliation with the American Dental Association, the Nevada Dental Association, and the Northern Nevada Dental Society reflects a commitment to evidence-based care and community involvement. Dr. Brian Struby’s membership in the Frank Spear Faculty Club signals an ongoing dedication to advanced continuing education. Patients benefit from in-house technology, a team that takes the time to explain recommendations clearly, and a dental hygiene routine built together with their provider. We invite you to experience the difference that relationship-first dentistry makes.

Start Building a Stronger Dental Hygiene Routine in Reno, NV

Your dental hygiene routine is the single most consistent investment you can make in your long-term oral health. South Meadows Dental has supported Reno and Sparks families with that investment for nearly five decades. Whether you are establishing new habits, supporting a child’s first routine, or optimizing home care around orthodontic treatment, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your visit.

Damon braces are one alternative to traditional wire braces that are gaining traction. If you’ve never heard of Damon braces, they’re a unique type of braces that relies on a self-ligating system without elastics, allowing your teeth to shift more comfortably and naturally. Fortunately, there are many more benefits to Damon braces, and they’re worth knowing about as you consider your next steps in orthodontic treatment. Here is what to know about Damon braces here at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics.

More Comfortable Treatment

Traditional wire braces rely on elastic bands to hold the wire in place, keeping it rigid and preventing it from moving horizontally over time. Damon braces use a small groove in each bracket to hold the wire in place, reducing the intensity of the pull on the teeth. Additionally, the wire is more flexible and less rigid, meaning it can more gently move the teeth into place. The result is a much more comfortable experience, especially versus traditional braces, which can be very painful at certain stages of treatment.

Easier Hygiene

Hygiene is an essential part of orthodontic treatment since your treatment isn’t successful if you experience periodontal decay as a result! Traditional braces have many different small parts that can trap bacteria – they can also be very difficult to clean properly on a daily basis. Damon braces can provide a better experience by being easier to clean and using fewer small pieces that require cleaning. In fact, Damon braces can be better for your overall oral health than traditional braces.

Faster Treatment

Traditional braces can require significant time to produce noticeable results – in some patients, it may take one to two years to complete. Damon braces can complete treatment over seven months ahead of traditional braces, meaning you can enjoy your natural smile again sooner. Additionally, Damon braces require fewer visits to our office for adjustment, making it easier on your schedule. In short, Damon braces can provide a more pleasant and comfortable treatment experience.

Better Cosmetic Appearance

Traditional braces are very noticeable, in part because of their larger brackets and colored elastic bands. Damon braces offer clear brackets, meaning only the wire is visible at first glance. For many patients with braces, cosmetic appearance is very important – especially if it may be several months to a year to complete treatment! Although Damon braces are not as subtle as Invisalign, they offer a great choice for patients who want a better experience with braces.

Damon Braces in Reno, NV

To learn more about the many benefits of Damon braces, contact South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics by calling our office at (775) 852-8181 or filling out our online form.

If a tooth cracks, it often needs to be protected to prevent further breakage and damage to the surrounding area. Crowns are the best way to protect cracked teeth and strengthen the tooth.

How Do Teeth Crack? 

Teeth can crack in a variety of situations. Pressure placed on the teeth from chewing, clenching, and grinding weaken the teeth over time and cause them to lose strength. Tooth decay that breaks down the structure of the tooth can also make it more susceptible to cracking. Additional pressure from chewing on ice, un-popped popcorn, and hard candy can fracture or crack these weakened teeth.

Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth 

If you have any of these symptoms, you may have a cracked tooth:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• sensitivity to overly sweet or sour foods
• Sharp pain when you chew
• Intermittent pain that comes and goes rather than constant

When Should I See My Dentist

Some teeth might look cracked because of hairline cracks that develop over time, but these do not always need treatment. A diagnosis is the best way to determine whether you have a cracked tooth, the severity of the crack, and the necessary treatment. You should schedule an examination at the earliest sign of a cracked tooth since these cracks grow quickly and can lead to larger problems like tooth decay if they reach the tooth’s nerve.

At your appointment, we will start with x-rays. X-rays do not always reveal a crack so we may also need to analyze your bite. Both of these diagnostic procedures are quick and painless. If a crack is discovered, we will discuss your options for crowning the tooth.

Treatment for Cracked Teeth

A crown is often the go-to treatment for cracked teeth. These small oral appliances sit over the chewing surface of the tooth like a cap to restore the tooth’s appearance and function. A cracked or weakened tooth could be further damaged or become decayed. Crowns come in gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal. Your dentist will determine the best crown for you depending on the area of the mouth that the cracked tooth is in. If the crack has extended further into the tooth and damaged the tooth, a root canal or tooth extraction might be needed.

Schedule a Consultation

Going to the dentist is not something many people look forward to, but you can rely on our warm and considerate staff to make your experience a positive one. If you suspect a cracked tooth, it is important you do not wait to take action. Schedule an appointment today with our expert team at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics for tooth repair in Reno, NV.

If you’re in tooth pain, it can be hard to focus on anything else, and become a minor or major disruption to your daily routine. However, tooth pain comes in many different degrees and forms, and you may not know that its cause is something you need treatment for as soon as possible when it first arrives. If you’re in pain or have experienced a sudden change in tooth sensation, we encourage you to call our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth can cause sudden or recurring pain or discomfort nearly anywhere in the mouth, due to something you ate, chewed, or were injured by. Unlike a toothache where pain is sharp and constant, a cracked tooth can result in slightly different symptoms, such as:

• Having intermittent tooth pain
• Feeling sharp pains when you chew
• Wanting to chew only on one side of your mouth
• Having increased sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods

These symptoms may be a sign of a cracked tooth or other issue that may require dental solutions such as a filling, onlay, or dental crown.

Risks and Causes of Cracked Teeth

Over time, your teeth endure constant and intense wear and tear that physically erodes the strength of the enamel that protects the softer inner parts of teeth where nerve endings reach. This leads to an increase in everyone’s risk for tooth damage and decay, including cracked teeth.

Specific foods and habits can further increase the wear on your teeth, such as frequently eating crunchy foods, hard candies, or even chewing ice, as well as potential medical conditions such bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenched jaw due to a TMJ disorder.

Teeth can also lose some of their natural integrity when they’ve already been treated once to fix a cavity with a filling or root canal. Finally, injuries sustained when playing sports or having some kind of mouth injury can affect the strength of your jaw and teeth.

Diagnosing and Treating Cracked Teeth

Teeth cracks come in all shapes and severities, and require full analysis before creating a custom treatment plan to ensure the most holistic and effective approach. First, you will likely have X-rays taken of the affected tooth/teeth as well as a physical examination of the area. Tooth fractures are commonly invisible except on X-rays, but understanding the surrounding teeth and gum tissue, as well as your natural bite are all helpful diagnostic tools when choosing a treatment plan.

Once our dentists have a solid idea of where the crack is and how deep it is, they will devise a treatment. For surface-level cracks, an onlay or crown may be all that’s required to reinforce the underlying tooth tissue for a long-term solution.

However, if the crack has reached the dentin or pulp layer of the tooth, it will first require a root canal before the structure will be strong enough to handle a crown.

Treating Cracked Teeth in Reno, NV

Don’t let tooth pain get unbearable before seeking treatment. Often, coming in for an examination and diagnosis early is key to having the best chance of saving your teeth and preventing extensive, expensive dental work from needing to be done. Our dentists are here to get you an appointment as soon as possible to address your dental care needs. Don’t hesitate to call our office today to schedule your appointment.

Soft drinks can be extremely refreshing, and they might even be a regular part of your daily diet. There are plenty of reasons to only enjoy soft drinks in moderation – one of which is your dental health. That’s because soft drinks can cause damage to your teeth every time you sip! Here’s what to know about soft drinks and how you can keep your teeth healthy and strong.

How does soda damage your teeth?

Most sodas and soft drinks contain between 10-12 teaspoons of sugar per serving (about 8oz). All this sugar can coat your teeth and feed the bacteria that live there. These bacteria eat sugar and produce acid which can wear away at your enamel. When your protective enamel is worn away, it exposes the dentin underneath. Over time, this can cause problems like pain and even cavities. You may also become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, and your teeth can appear more yellow. In severe cases, your teeth can begin to lose their natural shape. In short, soda can wear away your teeth over time and require some extensive repairs.

Should children have soda?

Although it’s okay for your child to enjoy a soda occasionally, you should make sure to keep an eye on your child’s soda consumption and help them understand it can hurt their teeth while they’re still forming. Even though it may seem safe because your child is still losing their baby teeth, these can still become damaged and infected like normal adult teeth and risk their health.

Is diet soda bad for your teeth?

It may seem like diet soda is a good alternative because it doesn’t have added sugar, but diet sodas, seltzers, and sparkling waters are still very acidic because of the carbonation. They usually contain citric, phosphoric, or tartaric acid which can erode your teeth the same as normal sodas, even if they’re lower in sugar. Make sure to enjoy diet sodas and sugar-free soft drinks in moderation, too.

How to keep your teeth healthy when drinking soda

The best way to keep your teeth protected from erosion from soft drinks is to avoid them and only enjoy them occasionally. Try and sip water throughout the day instead – for kids, swap out soda for milk to harden enamel with a valuable source of calcium. If you do drink soda, make sure to use a straw which can help the fluid bypass much of the surface of your teeth. Additionally, try not to sip on soda for extended periods of time. Finish it within a reasonable timeframe and then have some water to help flush out sugar and prevent plaque buildup. 20 minutes after you finish your soda, give your teeth a thorough brushing to fully get rid of any lingering sugar or acid.

Schedule an Appointment

The best way to keep your teeth healthy is by checking in with your dentist regularly. To meet with Drs. Struby and Smith and learn more, contact our Reno office by calling or filling out our online form.

Toothpaste has certainly come a long way since its introduction in the 1800s. Once comprised of little more than chalk and soap, toothpaste is now capable of accomplishing everything from whitening the teeth to rebuilding their enamel. As such, choosing the right one can be incredibly confusing. As you stare at the colorful boxes and boldly written promises that are found on the toothpaste aisle, be sure to keep the following information in mind.

There Are No Known Benefits To Using Charcoal Toothpaste

Charcoal toothpaste is currently on-trend. Whether it’s the novelty of brushing the teeth with a black-colored gel or the belief that this abrasive ingredient will actually whiten the teeth, countless consumers are using it. Sadly, however, not only do charcoal types of toothpaste fail to deliver on many of the promises they make, but they can also strip the teeth of their protective enamel, thereby leaving them more vulnerable to both staining and long-term sensitivity.

Over-The-Counter Toothpaste For Sensitivity May Be A Great Starting Point

If you suffer from mild to moderate tooth sensitivity, over-the-counter toothpaste may be able to provide relief. Despite their less than appealing taste, the surest way to get the greatest benefits from these products is by letting them fully absorb into the teeth rather than rinsing them out. For severe tooth sensitivity, however, it’s always best to consult with a dentist. You may need prescription-strength toothpaste, or you may have an underlying oral health issue.

Avoid Aloe Vera Toothpastes That Are Fluoride-Free

Aloe vera has a longstanding reputation for promoting rapid wound healing. When used in the mouth for daily cleansing, however, this ingredient has few to no proven benefits. Moreover, most types of aloe vera toothpaste lack fluoride, which is an essential ingredient for strengthening, fortifying, and protecting the teeth.

Whitening Toothpaste Can Provide Impressive Results Over The Long-Term

Many whitening kinds of toothpaste can indeed deliver on the promises that they make to brighten the smile and eliminate minor areas of discoloration. It’s important to note, however, that the whitening agents in these products aren’t generally strong enough to produce any rapid or truly remarkable results. Instead, these pastes and gels are best-suited to consumers who want to see gradual improvements in their tooth coloration over time. Ultimately, nothing trumps the effectiveness of a professionally rendered, in-office whitening treatment.

With all this in mind, try to choose a toothpaste that’s in line with your needs and oral health goals. Whitening, remineralizing toothpaste should contain fluoride and be absent of abrasive additions like charcoal that can undermine the health of the teeth.

Schedule an Appointment

You can always contact us at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics to get needs-specific recommendations for this incredibly important element of your daily oral hygiene. Schedule your appointment by calling our office at (775) 852-8181.

Sugar appears in so many of the foods and drinks that we love. Sugar is delicious, but if we take in an excessive amount of sugar it may lead to tooth decay. However, very few people understand how this tooth decay comes about. It is crucial to note that it is not technically sugar that is responsible for the damage, but rather the process that occurs after consuming a sugary food. The more you learn about the way sugar affects your teeth, the less you will want to consume it.

The Science of Sugar

Your mouth contains numerous species and genus of bacteria. Some are dangerous, while others are crucial for dental health. There is a group of bacteria that releases acid in the mouth as they digest the sugar. These acids cause the de-mineralization of teeth. Fortunately, your saliva naturally initiates the re-mineralization process. Additionally, fluorides, phosphates, and calcium assist in re-mineralization as well.

Continuous attacks by the acids can cause de-mineralization, ultimately weakening and destroying enamel and possibly leading to cavities. If the holes are not taken care of appropriately, they invade deeper into the teeth layers, resulting in pain and tooth loss. Symptoms of tooth decay are sensitivity to cold or hot meals and drinks, pain as you chew, and toothache. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a dentist as soon as possible.

The Effects of Excess Sugar

Some of the dangerous bacteria present in the oral region are the Streptococcus genus. They form dental plaque after breaking down the sugars you take. If you don’t remove it through brushing or saliva, the mouth’s environment becomes too acidic, leading to the development of cavities. The acidic environment destroys enamel causing de-mineralization. Without proper management, the smaller holes develop into larger ones.

Types of Dietary Intake that Leads to Tooth Decay

The following eating habits play critical roles in the development of cavities:

Consuming Sticky Foods and Beverages

These foods provide long-term sugar sources. Some examples of these include lollipops and mints. These foods are retained in the mouth for a long time, attracting pathogenic bacterium and leading to acidity. The outcome is severe de-mineralization and short periods of mineralization. Similarly, sipping sweetened drinks is a risk factor for developing cavities because your teeth are exposed to the sugars for a prolonged time, allowing the pathogenic bacteria to accumulate in your mouth.

Eating Snacks Containing High-Sugar

Repeated consumption of sugary drinks and sweets leads to cavities. Snacks with a high concentration of sugars expose your teeth to the acids’ harmful effects, leading to tooth decay. Recent studies reveal that kids who feed on a large number of potato chips as snacks have a four times higher chance of developing cavities, unlike those who don’t eat many potato chips.

Management of Tooth Decay

In order to protect your mouth from tooth decay, there are some steps that need to be taken to lower the risk of damage to your teeth.

Monitor What You Drink and Eat

In your diet, incorporate enough dairy products, raw fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Use straws when taking in sugary drinks to reduce your exposure to acids and sugars.

Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene And Reduce Your Sugar Intake

Brushing after every meal is essential in preventing tooth decay and cavities. Consider using toothpaste containing fluoride to assist in re-mineralization. Additionally, pay closer attention to how much sugar is in your diet and try to eliminate unnecessary foods, drinks, and treats with too much sugar in them.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re worried about tooth decay and want to learn more about how to prevent cavities, schedule an appointment with us at South Meadows Dental and Orthodontics. We offer the best services in dental health, and always put our patients’ needs first. For further inquiries, contact our offices at 775-413-2976 or fill out an online form.

Dealing with crooked teeth can severely affect your self-esteem and oral health. However, with tooth alignment options like traditional braces and Invisalign aligners, each solution presents its own advantages and disadvantages. Continue reading to learn more about each option and find out which is best for you.

What Is the Difference Between Traditional Braces and Invisalign?

Traditional braces are a common type of orthodontic device comprised of metal brackets. These brackets are fastened onto the teeth, applying pressure to reposition any crooked teeth. Based on the degree of misalignment, Dr. Meagan Struby, our local orthodontist, may require patients to wear traditional braces for anywhere between six months and two years.

Invisalign aligners consist of customized plastic molds that fit the top or bottom set of teeth, similar to retainers. The plastic used is non-toxic and is constructed to provide the specific dimensions of your mouth. Invisalign aligners can sometimes be difficult to fit perfectly onto your molars. Therefore, you should avoid chewing or moving your jaws too much when wearing them.

Reason to Choose Traditional Braces

There are many benefits to choosing traditional braces to straighten your teeth. Some of these include:

Satisfactory, Long-Term Results

Traditional braces require some time for them to straighten your teeth. By wearing them for a prolonged duration, your teeth and gums will permanently realign. Once removed, the results are amazing. Braces can ultimately enhance your smile and overall appearance.

Can Be Used to Treat Severe Complications

Unlike Invisalign treatments, traditional alternatives can help rectify complex dental issues with ease. Aside from aligning your teeth, they can also help close gaps much more effectively.

Regular Braces Can Be Cheaper

Traditional braces are an affordable dental restorative option that’s cheaper than other forms of braces. Furthermore, conventional braces are covered by most insurance policies, making it easier to safeguard your dental health and secure a replacement in case of damage.

Early Dental Correction

Dental braces are ideal for young people as they take away the stress of exploring dental crowns, veneers, and other intrusive treatment methods later in life. Furthermore, it helps straighten their teeth at a young age, leaving them with perfectly corrected teeth and confidence during adulthood.

Reasons to Choose Invisalign Treatment

For those looking for an alternative option to traditional braces, Invisalign aligners offer many benefits. Some of which include:

Comfort

Invisalign braces are much more comfortable on the teeth and gums. The trays gently align against teeth, exerting subtle pressure. Furthermore, with the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces, your gums are far more susceptible to cuts and wounds. However, with Invisalign trays, your gums are kept protected due to the brace’s soft plastic padding.

Blends Naturally

Invisalign aligners are easily concealable and attract less attention. They blend well due to their transparent nature. This can be an added advantage for adults working in professional settings that don’t want to deal with the look of traditional braces while working towards straightening their teeth.

You Can Remove Your Invisalign Aligners Easily

Invisalign aligners are removable and can be taken off whenever you deem necessary. This can make it much easier to maintain and clean both your aligners and teeth. You also don’t have to worry when flossing as there are no wires or brackets to severe the thread unlike in traditional braces.

Consult an Orthodontist That Cares

Here at South Meadows Dental, your smile is important to us. Our goal is to ensure that you obtain the dental results that you deserve. With our team of professionals and over 45 years of experience, optimal results are guaranteed with each treatment you receive. Feel free to set up an appointment with our in-house dentists, such as Dr. Jamie Smith, for adequate dental assistance.